UA receives $200,000 in gifts from donors

The University of Arkansas^[1] recently received $200,000 in gifts from donors benefiting honors education and UA libraries.

A $150,000 gift from Springdale nonprofit Schmieding Foundation to University Libraries will go toward a multifaceted family study space designed for student parents, caregivers and their children. In recognition of the gift, the space will be named the Schmieding Foundation Family Study Space, located on the second floor of Mullins Library.

The money will be used to create a private mother’s room with a glider, sink and refrigerator, and a calming room that will provide sensory items and soothing devices. The gift will also support the space’s child-sized furniture, interactive play items and technology.

Additionally, the money will support teacher education in the university’s elementary and secondary education programs by expanding the Curriculum Materials Collections and Children’s Literature Collections. According to the UA, more than 1,000 students are parents or caregivers.

“The Schmieding Foundation has long been committed to supporting children and education,” said Lance Taylor, president of the Schmieding Foundation. “We are excited to partner with the University of Arkansas on this important resource that will help students achieve their educational goals and foster early learning and literacy skills among their children.”

Separately, a $50,000 gift from Chancellor emeritus G. David Gearhart and his wife, Jane, will support the Honors College Path Program, which assists first-generation college students and those with significant financial need or from underrepresented parts of the state.

The Path Program was launched in 2014 with a gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation and has recruited high-achieving students from across the state.
“The Path Program is providing total resources to students,” Gearhart said. “Providing not only financial assistance but also coaching and mentorship has been shown to boost retention and graduation rates.”

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